Military Hire

Network Automation EngineerVAE, Inc.

  • not-remote
  • full-time
  • Salary
  • Springfield, VA
Job Summary

OVERVIEW:

VAE, Inc. is a full service IT Infrastructure Solutions Company focused on building, securing and supporting our clients’ mission critical enterprises. We provide a distinctive array of design, integration and implementation services as well as fully managed service offerings. VAE is at the forefront of leveraging multi-tenant capable technologies and shared IT services to create secure, reliable and cost-effective end-to-end services and solutions. We deliver exceptional infrastructure solutions with extremely talented employees using a client-focused partnering approach.



JOB TYPE: Full-time

LOCATION: VA US (Primary)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a highly skilled Network Automation Engineer to support mission-critical government programs. This role requires deep expertise in Python development, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Nautobot extension development, and advanced network engineering across Juniper and Cisco platforms. The ideal candidate will bring strong DevOps, CI/CD, and REST API development capabilities, along with experience in Linux-based automation, distributed systems, and software packaging. This role also requires the ability to interface directly with customers to understand requirements and deliver effective automation and infrastructure solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, develop, and maintain advanced Python-based and Linux-based automation solutions, leveraging scripting languages such as Bash, Go, and JavaScript where appropriate
  • Develop and extend Nautobot plugins, jobs, and integrations to enhance network source-of-truth capabilities
  • Engineer and support enterprise-grade solutions on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) platforms
  • Automate configuration, validation, and compliance for Juniper Junos OS and Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, and IOS-XR devices
  • Develop and integrate secure RESTful APIs for internal and external system interoperability
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitLab and/or GitHub for infrastructure-as-code and application deployments
  • Implement DevOps best practices for version control, automated testing, deployment, and system monitoring
  • Design and support systems leveraging distributed systems principles, including caching strategies, consensus mechanisms, and fault tolerance
  • Develop and maintain software packaging solutions (e.g., RPM/DEB) and automate build and release processes within CI/CD pipelines
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams
  • Interface directly with customers to gather requirements, provide technical guidance, and ensure successful delivery of solutions
  • Ensure compliance with government security policies, STIGs, and accreditation requirements
  • Document system architectures, processes, and automation frameworks


QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Active Secret clearance
  • Security+ or DoD 8570 compliant certification
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years of experience in network engineering and automation development

Technical Expertise:

  • Extensive experience with Python development (advanced scripting, modular design, package management, testing frameworks)
  • Strong experience with Linux automation, including scripting in Bash, Go, and/or JavaScript
  • Expert-level knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) administration and troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated experience developing and extending Nautobot (plugins, data models, jobs, integrations)

Networking:

Strong hands-on experience with:

  • Juniper Junos OS
  • Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, and IOS-XR

Deep understanding of IP networking concepts including:

  • BGP, OSPF, EIGRP
  • MPLS
  • VLANs, VRFs
  • Routing and switching architectures

DevOps / Systems:

  • Advanced experience with GitLab and/or GitHub, including branching strategies, code reviews, and repository management
  • Advanced CI/CD pipeline development experience
  • Experience designing and implementing REST APIs (authentication, security, scalability)
  • Experience with software packaging (e.g., RPM, DEB) and build/release automation
  • Understanding of distributed systems concepts (e.g., consensus, caching, resiliency, scalability)
  • Strong understanding of infrastructure-as-code and automation frameworks

Additional:

  • Ability to work in secure government environments
  • Strong communication skills and ability to engage directly with customers and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting DoD, Federal Civilian, or Intelligence Community environments
  • Familiarity with Ansible, Terraform, or similar automation tools
  • Experience with containerization (Docker, Podman) and orchestration platforms
  • Knowledge of security hardening and STIG compliance on RHEL systems
  • Agile / Scrum development experience

Preferred Certifications:

  • RHCE or RHCSA
  • CCNP / CCIE
  • JNCIP / JNCIE


CLEARANCE LEVEL: Secret

CERTIFICATIONS: 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ or equivalent)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

VAE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.





Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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